Colt McCoy: The 'Kid-Man' Behind the Change in Cleveland

As most people, I have been surprised by the how the Browns have performed in the last four games.

And although Colt McCoy has been a personal favorite of mine for a while, I cannot say that I expected him to have this kind of impact on the team as a whole...and the funny thing is that Mangini and his staff seems even more surprised.

There has been a lot of debate about why the Browns have been playing a lot better, and I recognize that Peyton Hillis has been a big part of the Browns' play on offense, that the defense have been instrumental in the wins and that the offensive play-calling has been creative.

But I still think that the single most important factor behind the awakening of the Cleveland Browns has been "Kid-Man" McCoy.

In spite of having a head coach who reluctantly has supported him, McCoy has grasped the role as a leader in the locker room and on the field.

McCoy has single-handedly installed a winning spirit in the huddle and has his teammates rallying behind him.

McCoy's confidence has even spread to the defense, who now know that their efforts will be rewarded.

With his accuracy and mind for perfection, McCoy has given the Browns an offense with passing options. The Browns now have receivers who can get open and catch balls.

Listening to the post-game press conference on NFL.com, "Kid-Man" McCoy out-performed Mangini. Where Mangini was looking like he was on the defensive, McCoy showed the same poise and leadership as he does on the field, pointing to the good things, taking responsibility for the mistakes but also showing confidence that HIS team can and will improve and win more games.

What is my point? There are now speculations that the Browns' performances of late could save Mangini's job. I'm not at all convinced that this change is to be credited to Mangini or his staff.

The Browns now have a QB who can perform and by himself lead the team. I have a feeling that McCoy's performance to an extent happened in spite of the coaching.

OK, this might be taking it a bit far, but I think McCoy is far more a part of the Browns future than Mangini, and I think that the organization knows that.

I think that Colt "Kid-Man" McCoy needs a head coach who is far more offensive-minded to help him develop to the next level.